If Ayra Starr isn’t the hardest-working popstar right now, she is easily one of the most distinctive. Since her breakout introduced a young star with an intangible “it” factor, the singer has moved at a pace that keeps her at the centre of the culture. Less than two years after her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, the Sabi Girl is already hinting at another turn. Fame has shifted the terrain beneath her, and her recent moves suggest an artist paying closer attention to growth and the rhythm of her own life. That mood carries into “Where Do We Go,” her latest single that she has been anticipated for weeks.

One of Ayra Starr’s greatest strengths is her ability to capture the inner voice of young women. Over time, she has built a catalogue that feels made with them in mind—songs you play while getting ready, for the ride across town, and for stepping out into a room like you own it. By her own telling, “Where Do We Go” began as a personal favourite, the kind of track she and her friends would play while getting ready for a night out. The record gestures to a fresh era while holding on to the feeling that has always lived at the centre of her sound.

How do you feel about the reaction to your online videos?

You know, I’ve been whining my waist back to back. I don’t even know which video you’re talking about because I’ve just been going back and forth. 

What do you think about “Hot Body” not getting its flowers yet?

To be honest, it’s still doing amazing, and I expect more. Like, there’s still more that’s going to be done to the song. The song has just taken over, and it’s doing what I needed it to do, you know? It’s just that song that I know girls can get ready to, go out to, want to hear at the club, and it’s going to be that song for a long time, I’m sure.

How did your new single “Where Do We Go,” come about?

I’m obsessed with this track. Like it has been my track for a while, a long time, and it’s just the track that I would get ready to, like me and my friends. And it was just like our like get ready song, and it was a very funny situation that inspired the song.

What’s your message for Women’s History Month?

To be honest, like everybody has their own experiences, but I would say to all the girls, don’t let anybody have power over you. Don’t give anybody power over you. Have your own autonomy, have your own say, and don’t allow people’s dreams or people’s limitations predict your limitations. So, just do you and never give anybody that power, girl.

Listen to the full interview here.